Traveling via public transit with your Seeing Eye puppy can be a rewarding experience. Many Seeing Eye graduates live in cities and commute regularly on public transit. This guide will walk you through taking the SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Line from the Newark, DE Train Station (NRK) to the Wilmington, DE Train Station (WIL). It will also show you how to navigate to the DART bus station and ride the #33 route back to Newark.

Why take the bus back? SEPTA service to Newark is only available during “commuting” hours. Outbound trains end in Newark around 9AM, and return travel from Wilmington does not resume until around 4PM.

Please note, this guide is primarily intended for individuals. Group visits need to be arranged in coordination with SEPTA and/or DART.

Step 1: Arrive at Newark, DE Station

Before you set off, ensure that your puppy is comfortable and has had a chance to relieve themselves. The Newark Station is commuter-friendly and accessible. Parking is ample and no cost. SEPTA recommends arriving 30 minutes prior to departure. Follow this recommendation as a new location can be very exciting for your puppy. The added time to settle is important.

The address for the station is 468 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19716.

Fun Fact:

The Newark Passenger Railroad Station was built by the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore (PW&B) Railroad in 1877, when Newark was a town of 3,000 inhabitants. The PW&B was the major rail link between New York City and Washington.

Step 2: Board the SEPTA Regional Rail

When the train arrives, make sure your puppy is in vest and is ready to board. SEPTA generally allows well-behaved Seeing Eye puppies on their trains. Note that the Newark Train Station is considered unmanned, so there is no need to enter the building. There are bathroom facilities and general rider information inside.

1. Wait for the train: You will need to be prepared to board on your own. The train arrives on the south side of the tracks – no need to cross over.
2. Board Safely: Allow others to exit the train before you and your puppy enter. There is an accessible platform, or you may board from ground level. Train stairs are steep and may be intimidating to some puppies.
3. Be Aware: While you wait, the train may perform a brake check while stationed and other Amtrak lines may pass by. Both of these are very loud and may cause your puppy to startle.
4. Fare: The fare for this one-zone ride is $4. Fares increase if you ride further, see SEPTA for more information. You may pay in exact cash on board.

Step 3: Arrive at Wilmington, DE Station

Once you’re aboard, ride for two stops to the Wilmington Train Station. Gather your belongings and prepare to disembark.

The Wilmington Train Station has a raised platform, so there are no stairs upon exiting the train. However, there will be a gap between the train and platform. This gap can cause your dog to hesitate when crossing over to the platform. Gently coax your puppy across the gap if needed.

Consider sitting on the platform to allow your dog to watch the train traffic and commuters go by. Take a moment to check in on your puppy. When ready, proceed down the ramp from the platform into the building and down the staircase into the main area of the train station. Exit across the building at Front Street.

Fun Fact:

The Wilmington Train Station was renamed in 2011 for former President, Vice President and Senator Joe Biden, an avid train commuter throughout his career in the Senate.

Step 4: Navigate to the Transit Center

After exiting the building, follow these simple steps to reach the Wilmington Transit Center (@ Front St & Walnut St) to catch a bus:

1. Cross the Street: There is a small park between the station Chase building in Wilmington. This is an ideal time to give your puppy an opportunity to park. Follow the crosswalk to the grass.
2. Head to the Wilmington Transit Center: The Transit Center is a short walk from the station, and will be to your right. It also borders the park. The Transit Center is well-marked and you can easily see the A, B, and C bus lane markings. Note, it is NOT the bus terminal at the Train Station Parking Garage on French Street! Use the crosswalks to navigate to the Transit Center.
3. Locate the Bus Stop: Follow the signs to lane B at the Transit station. Everything is well marked.

Step 5: Catch the #33 DART Route

Check the current schedule for the #33 DART route. DART is accommodating for our puppies. In general, the bus arrives every 20-30 minutes. Monitors at the Transit Center give current status on route arrival times. The #10 route also goes between Wilmington and Newark but arrives less frequently and is a slightly longer ride.

1. Boarding the Bus: Ensure you and your puppy are ready when the bus arrives.
2. Don’t Rush: The bus driver may take a short break at this terminal stop.
3. Pay the Fare on the Bus: Only full day passes and multi-ride fares are purchased at the ticket window in the Transit Center. That is unnecessary for this itinerary. A single trip fare is $2 and is easily paid in cash when boarding the bus. There is a vending machine-style dollar bill and coin slot at the driver’s seat.
4. Pick a Seat; Tuck your Pup: Tuck your puppy into the seat well and work on good behavior while riding.
5. Enjoy the Ride: Sit back and relax as you travel back to Newark! The main stops include the Christiana Mall, and the Park and Ride at Route 4 and 896.
6. Exiting the Bus: Shortly after the Park and Ride, prepare to exit the bus. The monitor onboard shows upcoming stops. Pull the yellow cord to request a stop at S College Ave @ Op Inspiration Blvd. The bus will drop you off across College Avenue from the Train Station. Use crosswalks to return to your car.

Conclusion

Traveling between Newark and Wilmington with your seeing puppy doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With a little preparation and patience, this journey can be a pleasurable experience and wonderful exposure opportunity for both of you. Enjoy your day in Wilmington!

This post was published April 2025. All details are subject to change and will not be routinely monitored. Please contact us if you notice any updates are needed.